Bhubaneswar, Nov 23: Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Surama Padhy on Sunday underscored the need for a globally coordinated policy framework governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism to uphold ethical standards and preserve public trust. She was addressing the valedictory session of the 9th National Media Conclave (NMC), held at the KIMS Auditorium, which brought together 42 experts, scholars and media professionals from across the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day conference on ‘Media 5.0: Digital Communication’, Padhy said AI offers powerful opportunities to enhance journalistic output, but human oversight remains indispensable. She stressed that trust in news is “hard to earn but easy to lose,” and called for transparency in the use of AI in newsroom processes. As technological disruptions reshape global systems, she said the convergence of the internet and AI continues to blur boundaries and accelerate digital transformation. Padhy also remembered the journalistic legacy of former Chief Minister Dr Harekrushna Mahtab.

The annual conclave, hosted by the Institute of Media Studies (IMS), Utkal University, with support from KIIT and OCAC, focused on the evolution of ‘Media 5.0’ and its implications for knowledge systems and society.

Addressing the gathering, FM University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy said, “We live in an era of AI. We cannot avoid AI; we have to accept it. We must embrace the best parts of AI and reject its worst. We should use AI, not misuse it. And while using AI, we must also apply human intelligence.”

Well-known media academic Prof Pradeep Mallik of Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, presented the conference outcomes in his closing remarks. He noted that technology has democratised communication and expanded public participation. “We cannot resist technology, but we should not be confined by it. In an era of datacracy and algorithm-driven dissemination, we must be able to discern what is true and draw our own conclusions,” he said. Mallik added that technology, including AI, must be used responsibly for collective progress and national development.

Six research scholars were felicitated with the Best Paper Presentation Award. The Rourkela Steel Plant won the 9th NMC Award in the Best Public Sector Organisation Implementing PR category.

Associate Professor of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Dr Mihir Ranjan Patra, was also honoured for successfully organising the first NMC Film Festival, which screened 12 films.

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Professor of Media Sciences at Anna University, Dr S Arulchelvan and Dr Ruchita Sujai Chowdhary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University also shared their insights. Chairman of the conclave and IMS Director Prof Upendra Padhi welcomed the dignitaries, while Assistant Professor and NMC organising secretary Manoranjan Panda proposed the vote of thanks.